Overview of Major Cutaneus and Subcutaneus Skin Problems in Horses and Their Associated Risk Factor in and Around Bishoftutown, Ethiopia

Abstract

The most significant animals in Ethiopia's packaging and transportation systems are horses. Despite the fact that illness and other issues significantly hinder their performance, their socioeconomic contribution is typically underestimated, jeopardizing their welfare. As a result, this cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the main skin problem concerning working horses in and around the town of Bishoftu, as well as the associated risk factors. For the study, 414 working horses in total were included in the study. A questionnaire survey and a clinical examination of a number of horses were carried out at the same time. It was revealed that 60% of horses have skin problems. The study's skin problems were wound (41.3%), epizootic lymphangiti (16.4%), and sarcoids (1.9%), in decreasing order. The occurrence of wounds varied significantly (x2 = 15.66, p = 0.05) depending on the horse's body condition score; horses in poorer body condition were more vulnerable to wounds than horses in higher body condition. Age-related differences in wound up prevalence were statistically significant (p = 0.05), showing that older horses were more susceptible. More injuries occurred as a result of poor harness and saddle design (x2 = 409.93, P = 0.000). The chest region of the body had a slightly higher percentage of wounds (24%). Depending on the type of work, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of epizootic lymphangitis (x2 = 4.0028, p= 0.05), showing that cart horses were more severely affected than pack horses. However, there was no discernible variation according to housing system, age, or bodily condition score. Between horses that had received protection and those that had not, there was a significant variation in the prevalence of sarcoids; the non-housed horses had a proportionately higher prevalence than the sheltered horses. The anatomical distribution of the lesions on the horses suggested a correlation between areas of improper hobbling, packing, and harnessing. According to this study, wounds are the main source of skin issues for working horses in the area. To address the current issue, a comprehensive equine health programme should be put in place.